José Carlos Pinto


José Carlos Pinto Samayoa is a Guatemalan professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Liga Guate club Comunicaciones and captains the Guatemala national team.

Club career

Malacateco

Pinto began his senior career with Malacateco, before moving to Municipal in 2013.

Antigua

In 2015, he transferred to Antigua where he made over 200 appearances for the club, and help them win 4 Liga Nacional de Fútbol de Guatemala in 5 years.

Comunicaciones

On 8 June 2020, he transferred to Comunicaciones.

Tacuary

On 9 January 2022 of Paraguay's summer transfer window, Pinto officially completed a transfer to Tacuary.

Return to Comunicaciones

On 1 July 2022, he returned to Comunicaciones on a free transfer.

International career

Pinto made his international debut for the Guatemala national team in a friendly 7–1 loss to Armenia on 28 May 2016.

2023: second CONCACAF Gold Cup

Pinto was called up to the Guatemala squad for the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

2025: third CONCACAF Gold Cup

On 24 June 2025, in the third and final match of Group C, Pinto scored from a penalty kick to give Guatemala a 1–0 lead over Guadeloupe. Guatemala would end up with a 3–2 win and advance to the quarter-finals.

Personal life

Pinto's uncle, Manuel Vásquez, was also a professional footballer in Guatemala.

Career statistics

International goals

No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
18 June 2024A. O. Shirley Recreation Ground, Road Town, British Virgin Islands3–03–02026 FIFA World Cup qualification
25 September 2024Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores, Guatemala City, Guatemala2–13–12024–25 CONCACAF Nations League
321 March 2025BFA Technical Centre, Bridgetown, Barbados2–32–32025 CONCACAF Gold Cup qualification
424 June 2025Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, United States1–03–22025 CONCACAF Gold Cup

Honours

Antigua
Comunicaciones